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Under Suspicion #1
I've Got You Under My Skin
When Laurie Moran's husband was brutally murdered, only three-year-old Timmy saw the face of his father's killer. Five years later his piercing blue eyes still haunt Timmy's dreams. Laurie is haunted by more: the killer's threat to her son as he fled the scene: Tell your mother she's next, then it's your turn . .
Now Laurie is dealing with murder again, this time as the producer of a true-crime, cold-case television show. The series will launch with the twenty-year-old unsolved murder of Betsy Powell. Betsy, a socialite, was found suffocated in her bed after a gala celebrating the graduation of her daughter and three friends. The sensational murder was news nationwide. Reopening the case in its lavish setting and with the cooperation of the surviving guests that night, Laurie is sure to have a hit on her hands. But when the estranged friends begin filming, it becomes clear each is hiding secrets . . . small and large.
And a pair of blue eyes is watching events unfold, too . . .
Now Laurie is dealing with murder again, this time as the producer of a true-crime, cold-case television show. The series will launch with the twenty-year-old unsolved murder of Betsy Powell. Betsy, a socialite, was found suffocated in her bed after a gala celebrating the graduation of her daughter and three friends. The sensational murder was news nationwide. Reopening the case in its lavish setting and with the cooperation of the surviving guests that night, Laurie is sure to have a hit on her hands. But when the estranged friends begin filming, it becomes clear each is hiding secrets . . . small and large.
And a pair of blue eyes is watching events unfold, too . . .
303 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 2014
About the author
Mary Higgins Clark
442 books12.8k followersThe #1 New York Times bestselling author Mary Higgins Clark has written thirty-eight suspense novels, four collections of short stories, a historical novel, a memoir, and two children’s books. With bestselling author Alafair Burke she wrote the Under Suspicion series. With her daughter Carol Higgins Clark, she has coauthored five more suspense novels. Her sister-in-law is the also author Mary Jane Clark.
Clark’s books have sold more than 100 million copies in the United States alone. Her books are beloved around the world and made her an international bestseller many times over.
Clark’s books have sold more than 100 million copies in the United States alone. Her books are beloved around the world and made her an international bestseller many times over.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,086 reviews
July 23, 2014
Mary Higgins Clark is my guilty pleasure read as I'm sure she is for a lot of people who are generally giant literature snobs but occasionally want to "go slumming" to use the coloquial term. I also enjoy the odd Amish romance. I'm weird that way.
I think I like her because she's literally been writing the same book over and over again for years. There's something oddly comforting about her constant recycling of the gorgeous, impeccably dressed, wildly successful at whatever she does but strangely unhappy female protagonist, her epic descriptions of what all her characters are wearing, the hilarious way she uses internal monologue "If only I hadn't had that two year long affair with her twenty two years ago I might never have lost that gold watch my late grandfather bought in a Parisian antique store during WWII that the police now have in their possession as proof I was in the pool house that night!", her casts of fifteen or so characters who all usually have something bizarre to hide or a key piece of evidence that will come out at just the right time and the way she so ham handedly inserts whatever weird hot topic she thinks is cool at that particular time like reincarnation or the old "psychic twins" plot device.
I think my favorite thing though is how she only has two kinds of villians; the total psychopath who's after the protagonist because he's either a.)trying to get crazy, psychopath revenge that only makes sense to him or because he's b.) "in love" with her OR its the last person who really makes any sense whatsoever who is often the person the protagonist has fallen in love with. In the case of b.) there is ALWAYS an alternative love interest waiting in the wings who has usually proposed to or married the protagonist by the epilogue because there is ALWAYS an epilogue where we find out that all the good guys have had wonderful things happen to them and all the bad people are either dead, in jail, or miserable.
Staying true to form with this latest endeavor Ms. Clark once again spins a yarn about a beautiful, impeccably dressed, super successful television producer who was widowed five years ago when a killer with blue eyes who every one cleverly refers to as "Blue Eyes" shot her husband in front of their three year old. Now she and her father, a retired policeman, live in a more or less constant state of high alert since the killer vowed to get both her and her son one day. Clark throws us a bit of a curve this time by having the protagonist in a not so successful stage of her amazing producing career, her last two pilots didn't do well!!!!! So now she's decided on the incredibly unique idea of revisiting cold cases, reenacting key moments with the actual people involved and interviewing each of them and thus shedding new light on whodunnit! What a concept! If only reality television was something people actually watched! This does not in any way have anything to do with her husbands death ya'll.
So blah blah blah old murder wherein some really mean rich lady was smothered in her bed and all the likely culprits were attendees at a huge graduation party she was throwing for her daughter and her three friends and everyone's there for the show; the four women (who are amazingly annoyingly referred to as "the graduates" for the whole damn book), the mean rich lady's mean rich husband, and Mrs. Danvers from "Rebecca" who apparently did in fact not die when Manderly burned down. There's also like ten other people who know various key pieces of information or have some random ability that is vital to solving the murder and "Blue Eyes" in running around pretending to be a landscaper of all things and the reader is just on pins and needles longing to learn why he's after the amazingly beautiful, brilliant, well dressed protagonist. Oh and there's a random lawyer who's there to narrate the show and fall in love with the protagonist.
Notice how I don't mention names or specific plot developments? Higgy reeeaaalllly phones this one in guys. Its like even she's finally realized she just keeps writing the same book over and over again. There's the typical race against time when everyone realizes who "Blue Eyes" is just as he's about to kill again and the usual reveal of all the peripheral characters true intentions and motivations but it all feels very low tension and "eh."
I honestly can't even recommend this as a beach read. I say stick to the classics like "Where Are the Children" and "Loves Music Loves to Dance." Give this a pass.
I think I like her because she's literally been writing the same book over and over again for years. There's something oddly comforting about her constant recycling of the gorgeous, impeccably dressed, wildly successful at whatever she does but strangely unhappy female protagonist, her epic descriptions of what all her characters are wearing, the hilarious way she uses internal monologue "If only I hadn't had that two year long affair with her twenty two years ago I might never have lost that gold watch my late grandfather bought in a Parisian antique store during WWII that the police now have in their possession as proof I was in the pool house that night!", her casts of fifteen or so characters who all usually have something bizarre to hide or a key piece of evidence that will come out at just the right time and the way she so ham handedly inserts whatever weird hot topic she thinks is cool at that particular time like reincarnation or the old "psychic twins" plot device.
I think my favorite thing though is how she only has two kinds of villians; the total psychopath who's after the protagonist because he's either a.)trying to get crazy, psychopath revenge that only makes sense to him or because he's b.) "in love" with her OR its the last person who really makes any sense whatsoever who is often the person the protagonist has fallen in love with. In the case of b.) there is ALWAYS an alternative love interest waiting in the wings who has usually proposed to or married the protagonist by the epilogue because there is ALWAYS an epilogue where we find out that all the good guys have had wonderful things happen to them and all the bad people are either dead, in jail, or miserable.
Staying true to form with this latest endeavor Ms. Clark once again spins a yarn about a beautiful, impeccably dressed, super successful television producer who was widowed five years ago when a killer with blue eyes who every one cleverly refers to as "Blue Eyes" shot her husband in front of their three year old. Now she and her father, a retired policeman, live in a more or less constant state of high alert since the killer vowed to get both her and her son one day. Clark throws us a bit of a curve this time by having the protagonist in a not so successful stage of her amazing producing career, her last two pilots didn't do well!!!!! So now she's decided on the incredibly unique idea of revisiting cold cases, reenacting key moments with the actual people involved and interviewing each of them and thus shedding new light on whodunnit! What a concept! If only reality television was something people actually watched! This does not in any way have anything to do with her husbands death ya'll.
So blah blah blah old murder wherein some really mean rich lady was smothered in her bed and all the likely culprits were attendees at a huge graduation party she was throwing for her daughter and her three friends and everyone's there for the show; the four women (who are amazingly annoyingly referred to as "the graduates" for the whole damn book), the mean rich lady's mean rich husband, and Mrs. Danvers from "Rebecca" who apparently did in fact not die when Manderly burned down. There's also like ten other people who know various key pieces of information or have some random ability that is vital to solving the murder and "Blue Eyes" in running around pretending to be a landscaper of all things and the reader is just on pins and needles longing to learn why he's after the amazingly beautiful, brilliant, well dressed protagonist. Oh and there's a random lawyer who's there to narrate the show and fall in love with the protagonist.
Notice how I don't mention names or specific plot developments? Higgy reeeaaalllly phones this one in guys. Its like even she's finally realized she just keeps writing the same book over and over again. There's the typical race against time when everyone realizes who "Blue Eyes" is just as he's about to kill again and the usual reveal of all the peripheral characters true intentions and motivations but it all feels very low tension and "eh."
I honestly can't even recommend this as a beach read. I say stick to the classics like "Where Are the Children" and "Loves Music Loves to Dance." Give this a pass.
July 6, 2023
A thrilling mystery novel that revolves around a group of four friends. The story begins with a shocking event: Betsy Powell, is murdered after a graduation party hosted by Mr. Powell. Several years later, the friends find themselves invited to share their stories on a Reality TV Show.
As the book introduces us to the characters, it becomes evident that each of them is harboring a secret from that fateful night. Alongside numerous other characters, we embark on a journey to unravel the mystery behind the murder. Despite delving into the backgrounds of the characters, the book maintains a balanced focus on the central plot. Laura the host has an interesting story goin on the side too.
The author skillfully weaves a story within a story, capturing my attention from beginning to end. The intricate narrative keeps readers hooked as they follow the twists and turns in the hopes of solving the murder. Personally, I am intrigued by the unique premise of the TV Reality Show, and I secretly wish that it continues to serve as the foundation for future books in this series.
Overall, an engaging and captivating read. It successfully combines character development with an absorbing plot, making it an enjoyable choice for fans of mystery and suspense novels.
As the book introduces us to the characters, it becomes evident that each of them is harboring a secret from that fateful night. Alongside numerous other characters, we embark on a journey to unravel the mystery behind the murder. Despite delving into the backgrounds of the characters, the book maintains a balanced focus on the central plot. Laura the host has an interesting story goin on the side too.
The author skillfully weaves a story within a story, capturing my attention from beginning to end. The intricate narrative keeps readers hooked as they follow the twists and turns in the hopes of solving the murder. Personally, I am intrigued by the unique premise of the TV Reality Show, and I secretly wish that it continues to serve as the foundation for future books in this series.
Overall, an engaging and captivating read. It successfully combines character development with an absorbing plot, making it an enjoyable choice for fans of mystery and suspense novels.
April 3, 2014
I have been reading MHC since her very first book, 'Where Are The Children?' Came out in 1975. Ever missef a one. She is my all time favorite mystery writer! She never fails to buils the suspense until the reader is biting their nails, trying to figure out whodunit.
MHC builds a solid foundation fir her story, then deftly adds characters and sliwly adds more and more information about each one. She does this so well that, at every announcement, the reader believes they know who the crook is. Not so. She totally confuses us, then springs the surprise at the end. AND we are completely wrong in our guesses as to the culprit, too!
This dear lady also manages to do this withou one filthy word or sex scene, too! This fact greatly pleases this reader. Her daughter, novelist Carol Higgins Clark, once told me that her mother had long ago decided that she could tell a good story without vulgarity and profanity. She herself does the same. Thus reader wholeheartedly agrees! The both tell the story and tell it extremely well!
Mary Higgins Clark us 86 years old and still manages to write great books! This one was one of her best! I NEVER miss a MHC novel.
MHC builds a solid foundation fir her story, then deftly adds characters and sliwly adds more and more information about each one. She does this so well that, at every announcement, the reader believes they know who the crook is. Not so. She totally confuses us, then springs the surprise at the end. AND we are completely wrong in our guesses as to the culprit, too!
This dear lady also manages to do this withou one filthy word or sex scene, too! This fact greatly pleases this reader. Her daughter, novelist Carol Higgins Clark, once told me that her mother had long ago decided that she could tell a good story without vulgarity and profanity. She herself does the same. Thus reader wholeheartedly agrees! The both tell the story and tell it extremely well!
Mary Higgins Clark us 86 years old and still manages to write great books! This one was one of her best! I NEVER miss a MHC novel.
April 22, 2014
When you pick up a mystery by Mary Higgins Clark, it's a pretty sure bet it will read quickly and easily without lots of undue mess and mayhem. That's certainly true in this case, but this time, she managed something I don't think I've ever experienced before: I didn't really like a single character in this book.
Let me explain. The woman I presume to be the heroine, Laurie Moran, is producing the pilot for a true crime TV show, during which a cold case will be re-examined and the story told by family and friends who were there at the time of the crime (in this case, the 10-year-old unsolved murder of a filthy rich socialite and wife of a hedge fund manager). Laurie herself is damaged goods, never having fully recovered from the murder of her husband in front of their 3-year-old son five years ago. Worse, as the murderer ran away, he promised to return to kill both Laurie and her son.
Laurie's TV show is being filmed at the scene of the crime, the mansion owned by the wealthy couple. The wife was suffocated in bed after a gala celebration for their daughter's graduation and her three girlfriends. Also present for the taping are the widowed husband and a live-in maid, all of whom were -- and still are -- suspects in the case, and they're joined by a couple of husbands and a mother. During the TV interviews, conducted by a well-known prosecuting attorney, the hope is that someone will trip up and confess, thereby bringing closure to the case and ensuring that the show's ratings go through the roof.
Much of the book centers on the backgrounds of each of the characters and the possible motives for committing the murder. Fleshing it all out does mean there's quite a bit of repetition, although I do admit that each time a character's background is revisited, a new detail or two was revealed. But understanding doesn't translate into sympathy, so by the end I really didn't give a rat's patoot who did the deed - nor did I really care whether or not the TV pilot was a success (as a huge non-fan of reality TV, I guarantee you I wouldn't have been among the viewers).
As would be expected, everything gets tidied up with a big bow (almost too neatly, in fact, and certainly much too quickly). All in all, this isn't a bad book, but it's definitely not one of Higgins Clark's best.
Let me explain. The woman I presume to be the heroine, Laurie Moran, is producing the pilot for a true crime TV show, during which a cold case will be re-examined and the story told by family and friends who were there at the time of the crime (in this case, the 10-year-old unsolved murder of a filthy rich socialite and wife of a hedge fund manager). Laurie herself is damaged goods, never having fully recovered from the murder of her husband in front of their 3-year-old son five years ago. Worse, as the murderer ran away, he promised to return to kill both Laurie and her son.
Laurie's TV show is being filmed at the scene of the crime, the mansion owned by the wealthy couple. The wife was suffocated in bed after a gala celebration for their daughter's graduation and her three girlfriends. Also present for the taping are the widowed husband and a live-in maid, all of whom were -- and still are -- suspects in the case, and they're joined by a couple of husbands and a mother. During the TV interviews, conducted by a well-known prosecuting attorney, the hope is that someone will trip up and confess, thereby bringing closure to the case and ensuring that the show's ratings go through the roof.
Much of the book centers on the backgrounds of each of the characters and the possible motives for committing the murder. Fleshing it all out does mean there's quite a bit of repetition, although I do admit that each time a character's background is revisited, a new detail or two was revealed. But understanding doesn't translate into sympathy, so by the end I really didn't give a rat's patoot who did the deed - nor did I really care whether or not the TV pilot was a success (as a huge non-fan of reality TV, I guarantee you I wouldn't have been among the viewers).
As would be expected, everything gets tidied up with a big bow (almost too neatly, in fact, and certainly much too quickly). All in all, this isn't a bad book, but it's definitely not one of Higgins Clark's best.
December 23, 2018
Laurie Moran has never felt safe after her husband Greg was shot and killed in a local park whilst playing with their four year old son, Timmy. The killer who got away was named "Blue Eyes" by Timmy.
Whilst Laurie is heavily involved with her workplace at the TV station her father, Leo a retired police officer helps out with Timmy whenever he can. Knowing that "Blue Eyes" is still out there somewhere is unnerving, particularly when the last words he said were that Laurie and Timmy would be next.
I've Got You Under My Skin was a thriller that had me guessing till the end. Fans of Mary Higgins Clark will no doubt enjoy this book just as I did. Recommended.
Whilst Laurie is heavily involved with her workplace at the TV station her father, Leo a retired police officer helps out with Timmy whenever he can. Knowing that "Blue Eyes" is still out there somewhere is unnerving, particularly when the last words he said were that Laurie and Timmy would be next.
I've Got You Under My Skin was a thriller that had me guessing till the end. Fans of Mary Higgins Clark will no doubt enjoy this book just as I did. Recommended.
April 8, 2022
"A discerning observer might have realized that the expression was caused by the acceptance of reality rather than peace of mind."
°•*⁀➷
this was such a good read for halloween. entertaining and full of mystery... mary higgins clark is so good at suspicion. i love the idea of making a tv show to re-create an event (as long as there is consent, of course), to hopefully help to bring peace to those who lost someone in the past. especially in this case since it was about a murder.
imagine seeing people you used to be so close with, being under suspicion once again, all eyes of the community on you... and searching out a murderer of a cold case. that's exactly what this story is and does. i loved every second of it.
and i think it's so cool that this book was so well received that mhc continued writing books with the same premise in this under suspicion series. as this is the series her last book was written in before she passed in 2020, i'm so excited to continue it and read what she was able to share with us before the end.
mary higgins clark is a favorite author of my mom's, and i think that made loving this story all the better. this was my third book in my journey with this author, and so far my favorite. another reason to be so excited to continue on and share my love for reading with my mom. who is the reason i love to read at all.
- paige
°•*⁀➷
this was such a good read for halloween. entertaining and full of mystery... mary higgins clark is so good at suspicion. i love the idea of making a tv show to re-create an event (as long as there is consent, of course), to hopefully help to bring peace to those who lost someone in the past. especially in this case since it was about a murder.
imagine seeing people you used to be so close with, being under suspicion once again, all eyes of the community on you... and searching out a murderer of a cold case. that's exactly what this story is and does. i loved every second of it.
and i think it's so cool that this book was so well received that mhc continued writing books with the same premise in this under suspicion series. as this is the series her last book was written in before she passed in 2020, i'm so excited to continue it and read what she was able to share with us before the end.
mary higgins clark is a favorite author of my mom's, and i think that made loving this story all the better. this was my third book in my journey with this author, and so far my favorite. another reason to be so excited to continue on and share my love for reading with my mom. who is the reason i love to read at all.
- paige
July 26, 2016
I was sad that this wasn't one of the better Mary Higgins Clark novels I have read. It sounded interesting, a woman is murdered in her sleep while 4 recent college graduates are staying over after a party. The murder is never solved. 20 Years later, they get together for a reunion of sorts to go over their memories for a documentary show.
The book takes place in first person of each character talking about their memories etc. I was able to follow that part without problem, but they frequently restated the exact same things, almost word for word. It was so similar that I found myself flipping back to make sure I hadn't lost my place and was re-reading the same pages. It happened enough times to be annoying.
The book takes place in first person of each character talking about their memories etc. I was able to follow that part without problem, but they frequently restated the exact same things, almost word for word. It was so similar that I found myself flipping back to make sure I hadn't lost my place and was re-reading the same pages. It happened enough times to be annoying.
April 2, 2014
It just seemed to lack the spark of her earlier novels. The mystery was lackluster.
November 4, 2014
Whodunit?
Who cares?
What a disappointment. What an awful book.
For some time now I’ve wanted to read Mary Higgins Clark. She’s been well known for decades and has numerous books on library shelves. I finally decided to pick one up, “I’ve got You Under My Skin.’ I really wanted to like this book. I really was hoping to find a new author I enjoyed and stumble into a huge catalogue of novels I could peruse.
I’m writing this review without having finished the book, something I’ve only done one other time. I probably wont even bother.
The premise itself is a bit hard to believe. Laurie is a TV producer who stakes her career on a show that’s like ‘Unsolved Mysteries.’ Her first case is to revisit an unsolved murder of Betsy Powell 20 years ago. The dead woman’s husband, Robert, is a multi-millionaire, who, for some reason in an attempt to clear his own name and the name of some suspects, pays the suspects $300,000 to participate in this reenactment. However, for some reason, rather than using actors, she uses the real people themselves—those who were witnesses. She also has them wear the exact same clothes. Not sure why but I went with it. Laurie, camera crew and a cast of numerous possible killers show up to ‘recreate’ the murder while being questioned by a former detective. In other words, it’s a reenactment/trial.
SPOILER
In some ways, this is a classic whodunit. There were 4 recently graduated students who were present the night of the murder. They are all suspects. The husband, Robert, who was having an affair, is another suspect. There’s the mother of one of the students—another suspect—who was having an affair with Robert. There’s also the obligatory housekeeper as well as the suspicious limo driver. Literally, there are probably about 8 or potential suspects, all with reason to commit murder. 8 people, 1 weekend, 1 large mansion, 1 dead body: My GOD, the board game clue has come to life.
END SPOILER
I have a few issues. 1) The absolute boredom. I’ve read 165 pages of this 305 page novel and honestly, nothing happens. Not a thing. It’s 165 pages of people waking up, eating breakfast, riding in a limo, returning to their hotel, going to sleep. There are many characters involved as I stated above. But is it necessary to devote 3-4-5 pages to each individual waking up and what they had for breakfast. That’s 20-25 pages of waste. And then again, after a day of ‘filming,’ another 25 pages wasted as we see each person going back to their hotel individually and what they ate for dinner.
I’ve never read novels by MHC before and perhaps this is the way she writes but another thing I found annoying was the constant switch back and forth between third person and first person—within a chapter, within one person’s point of view. Also, the constant time jumps from present to past and back to present.
Example: In one scene, one character named George, is driving back to his hotel. (PRESENT) He starts thinking about his wife. (PAST). At this point the narrative goes from third person of us being told George did something to suddenly first person. I remember my wife’s cooking. She was a wonderful cook. I remember the first time I met my wife. (LONGER AGO PAST) I remember the first time I kissed her lips. I remember the first time I held her hand, George thought. I still remember our first trip to Europe and our first night in Paris. It was wonderful. George arrived at the hotel and got out of the car. (3rd person, back to present.) In one paragraph the author had 4 time jumps: Present, past, further past, present. Third person-first person-third person.
I’m not sure if this is how MHC writes but if it is, wow.
There was also the stereotypical plethora of worn characters: the retired NYC cop who apparently knows every member of law enforcement in a 50 mile radius of New York, the protagonist risking her career as she battles with self-doubt, the questionable wealthy guy who spends money hand over fist, the shadowy limo driver who tape records conversations, the football player who now relies on crutches, the daughter who hates her overbearing mother, the housekeeper who has a secret crush on the older age millionaire. And of course, the antagonist—who’s crazy yet a genius.
There were also, in addition to the worn out characters, were an abundance of worn out storylines: The protagonist who missed her son cause he just went away to camp for the first time, the guy on crutches who doesn’t think his wife loves him. An old guy has a heart attack. Someone faints.
I probably will not finish this book. I’m very disappointed because I really wanted to enjoy this novel and hoped to add a new well-established novelist to my repertoire. But I doubt I will finish it. I doubt I will read any more novels by Mary Higgins Clark.
Who cares?
What a disappointment. What an awful book.
For some time now I’ve wanted to read Mary Higgins Clark. She’s been well known for decades and has numerous books on library shelves. I finally decided to pick one up, “I’ve got You Under My Skin.’ I really wanted to like this book. I really was hoping to find a new author I enjoyed and stumble into a huge catalogue of novels I could peruse.
I’m writing this review without having finished the book, something I’ve only done one other time. I probably wont even bother.
The premise itself is a bit hard to believe. Laurie is a TV producer who stakes her career on a show that’s like ‘Unsolved Mysteries.’ Her first case is to revisit an unsolved murder of Betsy Powell 20 years ago. The dead woman’s husband, Robert, is a multi-millionaire, who, for some reason in an attempt to clear his own name and the name of some suspects, pays the suspects $300,000 to participate in this reenactment. However, for some reason, rather than using actors, she uses the real people themselves—those who were witnesses. She also has them wear the exact same clothes. Not sure why but I went with it. Laurie, camera crew and a cast of numerous possible killers show up to ‘recreate’ the murder while being questioned by a former detective. In other words, it’s a reenactment/trial.
SPOILER
In some ways, this is a classic whodunit. There were 4 recently graduated students who were present the night of the murder. They are all suspects. The husband, Robert, who was having an affair, is another suspect. There’s the mother of one of the students—another suspect—who was having an affair with Robert. There’s also the obligatory housekeeper as well as the suspicious limo driver. Literally, there are probably about 8 or potential suspects, all with reason to commit murder. 8 people, 1 weekend, 1 large mansion, 1 dead body: My GOD, the board game clue has come to life.
END SPOILER
I have a few issues. 1) The absolute boredom. I’ve read 165 pages of this 305 page novel and honestly, nothing happens. Not a thing. It’s 165 pages of people waking up, eating breakfast, riding in a limo, returning to their hotel, going to sleep. There are many characters involved as I stated above. But is it necessary to devote 3-4-5 pages to each individual waking up and what they had for breakfast. That’s 20-25 pages of waste. And then again, after a day of ‘filming,’ another 25 pages wasted as we see each person going back to their hotel individually and what they ate for dinner.
I’ve never read novels by MHC before and perhaps this is the way she writes but another thing I found annoying was the constant switch back and forth between third person and first person—within a chapter, within one person’s point of view. Also, the constant time jumps from present to past and back to present.
Example: In one scene, one character named George, is driving back to his hotel. (PRESENT) He starts thinking about his wife. (PAST). At this point the narrative goes from third person of us being told George did something to suddenly first person. I remember my wife’s cooking. She was a wonderful cook. I remember the first time I met my wife. (LONGER AGO PAST) I remember the first time I kissed her lips. I remember the first time I held her hand, George thought. I still remember our first trip to Europe and our first night in Paris. It was wonderful. George arrived at the hotel and got out of the car. (3rd person, back to present.) In one paragraph the author had 4 time jumps: Present, past, further past, present. Third person-first person-third person.
I’m not sure if this is how MHC writes but if it is, wow.
There was also the stereotypical plethora of worn characters: the retired NYC cop who apparently knows every member of law enforcement in a 50 mile radius of New York, the protagonist risking her career as she battles with self-doubt, the questionable wealthy guy who spends money hand over fist, the shadowy limo driver who tape records conversations, the football player who now relies on crutches, the daughter who hates her overbearing mother, the housekeeper who has a secret crush on the older age millionaire. And of course, the antagonist—who’s crazy yet a genius.
There were also, in addition to the worn out characters, were an abundance of worn out storylines: The protagonist who missed her son cause he just went away to camp for the first time, the guy on crutches who doesn’t think his wife loves him. An old guy has a heart attack. Someone faints.
I probably will not finish this book. I’m very disappointed because I really wanted to enjoy this novel and hoped to add a new well-established novelist to my repertoire. But I doubt I will finish it. I doubt I will read any more novels by Mary Higgins Clark.
January 26, 2016
Because her husband was murdered and the killer never caught. Laurie Moran is producing a cold-case TV program.
First up is a murder that took place 20 years ago and was never solved. At the center of the case are 4 women, who were college girls back then and they all had a reason to want the murdered woman dead.
Meanwhile the man who killed Laurie's husband is stalking her ..just waiting for a chance to kill her and her young son.
This is a typical MHC book ... full of suspense with unforgettable characters. The ending doesn't always come as a surprise .. but this one did.
Short chapters, no wasted descriptions ... a very satisfying read.
First up is a murder that took place 20 years ago and was never solved. At the center of the case are 4 women, who were college girls back then and they all had a reason to want the murdered woman dead.
Meanwhile the man who killed Laurie's husband is stalking her ..just waiting for a chance to kill her and her young son.
This is a typical MHC book ... full of suspense with unforgettable characters. The ending doesn't always come as a surprise .. but this one did.
Short chapters, no wasted descriptions ... a very satisfying read.
September 12, 2014
If I never pick up another Higgins Clark book it will be too soon. Bland predictable writing. Too many parts of the book are just ridiculous. Lacklustre.
April 4, 2014
This is absolutely classic Mary Higgins Clark! I woke up before 5 am to finish reading this superb suspense novel and was not disappointed.
March 27, 2019
What a group of some awful people in this book. Very entertaining though. The murderer could have been anyway and then the subplot on Laurie’s husband’s murder and the threatening situation of her and her son, Timmy. Now I am completely hooked on the characters of Laurie and Alex and this series. Going to continue it right away!
My quick and simple overall: an entertaining, quick read.
My quick and simple overall: an entertaining, quick read.
April 4, 2014
This book was very simplistic. I was expecting something more. I feel disappointed. Maybe I am just getting to picky in my old age.
September 23, 2018
Este é o primeiro livro da série, depois de ter lido o segundo volume fiquei cheia de curiosidade de perceber como tudo começou com a Laurie. Não sei se foi por ter lido os dois de seguida e por ordem diferente, mas o segundo volume agradou-me muito mais.
Certamente que irei acompanhar esta série.
Certamente que irei acompanhar esta série.
April 1, 2014
I've Got You Under My Skin by Mary Higgins Clark is a thrilling and beautifully written crime mystery about a widowed mother and her son haunted by a nightmare. Five years after the death of her husband, Laurie Moran and her young son Timmy are still living in the shadows of that fateful day, always fearful of her husband's killer, who threatened to come back for them.
When her professional work demanded something creative, Laurie settled for unsolved crime cases for her television show, hoping to strike gold. She got more than she bargained for. She and Timmy are perilously perched as the killer strikes again, in the process, giving the cold case a chance to be solved or the killer making good on his threat to Timmy, "Tell your mother she's next, then it's your turn..."
While Mary Higgins Clark is a good story-teller, some of her recent books have not been really that appealing. I've Got You Under My Skin is one of her finer books and offers a chance to redeem herself. The mystery is wrapped beautifully while there is some depth to the story. The characters are both fascinating and likeable. I'm sure many readers will really enjoy this latest mystery from the #1 international and New York Times bestselling author.
When her professional work demanded something creative, Laurie settled for unsolved crime cases for her television show, hoping to strike gold. She got more than she bargained for. She and Timmy are perilously perched as the killer strikes again, in the process, giving the cold case a chance to be solved or the killer making good on his threat to Timmy, "Tell your mother she's next, then it's your turn..."
While Mary Higgins Clark is a good story-teller, some of her recent books have not been really that appealing. I've Got You Under My Skin is one of her finer books and offers a chance to redeem herself. The mystery is wrapped beautifully while there is some depth to the story. The characters are both fascinating and likeable. I'm sure many readers will really enjoy this latest mystery from the #1 international and New York Times bestselling author.
June 6, 2019
Another Mary Higgins Clark masterpiece! I will be buying a copy for my library in hardback!
May 12, 2020
I thought this was a very good book I liked it alot
May 5, 2014
This was as disappointing as her last few books. It was implausible and the culprit in the main story was obvious. None of the characters in the Graduation Gala were likable and I semi-hoped they'd all go to prison. In the second story line there is no way that Timmy would be allowed to go without documentation, contact with the parent or some other event. The main character was undeveloped as was that story line. It was as if she started with two book ideas, developed neither fully and decided to mash them together.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 9, 2018
Tenho gostado de todos os livros desta autora, pelo suspense, pelo que podia ser e nem sempre é. Este não foi dos que mais gostei, confesso. Não me surpreendeu, que é o que espero de um livro deste género. Gostei de ler e tive vontade de saber sempre o que ia acontecer a seguir. Mas o desfecho deixou um pouco a desejar, mas nada que me desencoraje a ler mais livros desta escritora
February 21, 2023
The beginning of a great series. I love the characters (Laurie, Alex, Timmy, Leo, Grace, Jerry and even Brett) and they grow on you with each book. My only complaint is I wish the series was longer.
January 2, 2018
Rated 3.5 stars
June 5, 2022
RATING:2.5 STARS
MHC was one of the first adult mystery novels I read. I started reading her when I was in my early teens, and always had this TV movie mystery feel. It wasn't overly graphic, was a bit soapy with relationships, and could be easily figured out. That isn't always a bad thing, as I did enjoy that in the 90s and early 2000s. I wasn't a huge fan of Laurie, but do like Timmy and Leo. I also liked the True Crime TV series storyline. There were a lot of storylines and seemed to kind of connect in an implausible way at times. Or maybe they just were wrapped up too quickly.
MHC was one of the first adult mystery novels I read. I started reading her when I was in my early teens, and always had this TV movie mystery feel. It wasn't overly graphic, was a bit soapy with relationships, and could be easily figured out. That isn't always a bad thing, as I did enjoy that in the 90s and early 2000s. I wasn't a huge fan of Laurie, but do like Timmy and Leo. I also liked the True Crime TV series storyline. There were a lot of storylines and seemed to kind of connect in an implausible way at times. Or maybe they just were wrapped up too quickly.
September 10, 2018
Que excelente estreia com esta escritora!
Muito curiosa de ler os restantes livros da serie.
Uma trama bem construída onde qualquer uma das personagens poderia ter cometido o crime. Capítulos pequenos, de fácil leitura e embora tenha muitas personagens não se torna confuso. No próximo livro já deve existir mais desenvolvimentos sobre a vida romântica da personagem principal :)
Muito curiosa de ler os restantes livros da serie.
Uma trama bem construída onde qualquer uma das personagens poderia ter cometido o crime. Capítulos pequenos, de fácil leitura e embora tenha muitas personagens não se torna confuso. No próximo livro já deve existir mais desenvolvimentos sobre a vida romântica da personagem principal :)
January 10, 2020
otro libro empezado el mes pasado y terminado en inicios de este mes y año. algo tardada su lectura, pero esta es una de mis lecturas conjuntas de la serie "bajo sospecha" y lo cierto es que me ha gustado.
aún tengo que acostumbrarme a la abalancha de personajes que va metiendo de golpe la autora en lo que he leído de ella, y este es el primer indicio que notas al iniciar su lectura. en 8 capítulos ya te presentó a poco más de una decena de personajes, contando los 2 o 3 secundarios en cada grupo.
los principales son una familia compuesta por Laurie Mora, su hijo de 5 años, Timy, y Leo, padre de Laurie y policía. lleva a cabo un programa conocido como "bajo sospecha", que pretende sacar a los medios los misterios de crímenes que quedaron sin resolver, y en este libro se tratará de desvelar lo que ocurrió hace 20 años, cuando apareció asesinada Betsy Powell, esposa del gran millonario Rob powell. Para ello contacta a 4 mujeres que estuvieron presentes en esa noche de graduación. Mientras esto ocurre, Laurie está en constante cuidado por parte de su padre debido a que alguen quiere cobrar venganza para asesinarla a ella y su hijo.
Así tenemos dos tramas que van transcurriendo en paralelo. El caso de Betsy me logró mantener en suspenso, engañándote fácilmente y sin tener en claro quién es hasta casi el final.
eso sí, fue algo acelerado.
La recomiendo. veamos qué tal sigue el próximo libro.
aún tengo que acostumbrarme a la abalancha de personajes que va metiendo de golpe la autora en lo que he leído de ella, y este es el primer indicio que notas al iniciar su lectura. en 8 capítulos ya te presentó a poco más de una decena de personajes, contando los 2 o 3 secundarios en cada grupo.
los principales son una familia compuesta por Laurie Mora, su hijo de 5 años, Timy, y Leo, padre de Laurie y policía. lleva a cabo un programa conocido como "bajo sospecha", que pretende sacar a los medios los misterios de crímenes que quedaron sin resolver, y en este libro se tratará de desvelar lo que ocurrió hace 20 años, cuando apareció asesinada Betsy Powell, esposa del gran millonario Rob powell. Para ello contacta a 4 mujeres que estuvieron presentes en esa noche de graduación. Mientras esto ocurre, Laurie está en constante cuidado por parte de su padre debido a que alguen quiere cobrar venganza para asesinarla a ella y su hijo.
Así tenemos dos tramas que van transcurriendo en paralelo. El caso de Betsy me logró mantener en suspenso, engañándote fácilmente y sin tener en claro quién es hasta casi el final.
eso sí, fue algo acelerado.
La recomiendo. veamos qué tal sigue el próximo libro.
April 13, 2014
I am a huge fan of Mary Higgins Clark and I've read every single one of her books. I have to say, this book was written in her regular style but seemed to lack the sense that is found in 95% of her other novels. The storyline itself was intriguing: a windowed woman who happens to be a television producer is filming a new show that will reenact the night of the Graduation Party, where socialite Betsy Powell was smothered in her bed while she slept. All the suspects from that night, including her daughter, her three friends, Betsy's wealthy husband and loyal housekeeper, will gather at the scene of the crime twenty years later. Did I mention that the producer's husband was fatally shot in front of their young son by a man who claims that "she's next, then Timmy"? Throw in the supposed Blue Eyes killer seeking revenge on the producer and it seems like it's classic Mary Higgins Clark. However, both the killers in this novel are hard to figure out and their motives don't come to the forefront as quickly as they should. It just reads like both killers were picked out of a hat, with their motives being picked out of another hat. I will concede that the actual novel is well written though, and the characters are interesting. But with an ending that lacks authenticity, it kind of falls flat.
March 21, 2016
Mary Higgins Clark has always been a great storyteller. I would say this is another great book by her. I enjoyed the different characters portrayed and how she showed each of them in this real page turner.
The novel is thrilling and beautifully written crime mystery about a widowed mother, Laurie Moran who works as a producer of TV crime show and her son haunted by the death of her husband.
Laurie is dealing with another murder as the producer of a true-crime, cold-case television show. The TV series launch an unsolved murder case of a socialite who was found suffocated in her bed 20 years ago. The hope was that the guilty party will somehow blunder on camera and admit to committing the deed. The characters are vivid and each seems to harbor a motive for killing.
One can almost feel the author interweaves the plotting. The twist and turns made it one heck of a mystery and kept me reading. This book is definitely worth reading.
The novel is thrilling and beautifully written crime mystery about a widowed mother, Laurie Moran who works as a producer of TV crime show and her son haunted by the death of her husband.
Laurie is dealing with another murder as the producer of a true-crime, cold-case television show. The TV series launch an unsolved murder case of a socialite who was found suffocated in her bed 20 years ago. The hope was that the guilty party will somehow blunder on camera and admit to committing the deed. The characters are vivid and each seems to harbor a motive for killing.
One can almost feel the author interweaves the plotting. The twist and turns made it one heck of a mystery and kept me reading. This book is definitely worth reading.
April 11, 2014
Excellent mystery! I have read all of this author's books over the years and classify this one among her best. There were plenty of suspects, several simultaneous story lines, and personal life stories of the characters revealed along with action drama and suspense. It was written in Clark's unique style, and I found it a satisfying read.
June 21, 2017
This is the first and last Mary Higgins Clark book I'll read. I struggled to get through it.
August 7, 2016
There was no mystery in this book I didn't find any of the characters interesting or like a bowl I really didn't like anything about it it was very bland. The most interesting part is the brief description. About the book which made me want to read it but in fact was the only interesting part of the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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